San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-01-26

lShlng potato held.
In far corner an old woman, in one
of the long, dark, blue cloaks of the
country, was busily bending over the
hillocks. For the first time in his life
Captain Langtry played the part of a
sneaking thief. He stole softly up be-
hind the helpless old creature, and,
seizing her cloak, tore it from her
shoulders, and sped like the wind across
the potato field, wrapping himself in
the ample covering as he ran.
''Howly mother preserve usl" he
heard screamed behind him, and then
grOan and eXecration reached his ears.
One swift glance backward revealed
the old woman on her knees among the
hillocks; but whether she had assumed
this position by accident or to pray for
the return of her cloak Captain Lang
try had no time to inquire. His trials
were now well-nigh over, for the cloak,
though an odd garment for man, rob-
bed him of his troublesome, supernatu-
raj appearance. Beyond the fire of sar-
casm from urchins encountered on the
way, he was allowed to re-enter Mullin-
garth unmolested, where, over a glass
of hot toddy, he laughed at his advent
ures of the afternoon.
Six months passed, and after an ex-
tended tour in Norway, Captain Lang
try found himself again in the little
fishing village of Mullingarth. All
through his wanderings in foreign
lands, he had oddly enough been haunt
ed by the bright eyes of the fiery little
country lass who had threatened to
deluge him with hot water on the day
of his unfortunate plunge into the sea.
After careful inquiry he learned that
the family who had lived in the cabin
under the oaks now kept on the out
skirts of the village very primitive but
neat lodgings, for summer visitors.
Captain Langtry seized on the informa-
ton with avidity, and, after having as
sured himself that the blue-eyed hero
inc of the tea-kettle still held her sway
in the household, he engaged a room
for month in the little clearinghouse,
which rejoiced in the name of The
Gull's Rest"
which was shortly conveyed to his new
Captain Langtry had found of such
found it expedient to acknowledge him
self the thief, he would restore the old
woman's property without delay, as his
conscience troubled him for not having
done so long before.
Shortly after his installation in his
new abode, timid knock, accompanied
by the rattle of dishes, sounded at his
door. To Captain Langtry's great de-
light. his attendant proved to be no
other than the charming little girl for
the sake of whose pretty face he had
given up his comfortable rooms in the
town. She set the tray, containing a
carefully prepared tea, on the table,
and asked bashfully what the gentle
mans further wishes might be.
What shall call the graceful little
fairy who brings my refreshments?" he
asked CALAMITY.
who, please, STRIP
"What is your name-Rose, Lily,
Daisy? Something equally suggestive,
am sure"
'Norah, sir"
"Norah-a pretty name that suits you
exactly"
The pleased blush on the girls cheek
showed plainly that this time the Cap
tain's words had been understood, and
with half-saucy. half-deprecating cur
tesy she left the room.
During the six months that had
elapsed Norah had grown more charm
ing than ever; her manner had lost its
wildness, perhaps, through greater con-
tact with the people of the town; and
Captain Langtry discovered, almost
with delight, that she was an orphan
with gentle blood in her veins, her faith
er having been poor gentleman who
had been disowned by his family for
the mesdtlidnce he had contracted with
Norah's mother.
In Norah's cousin Teddy there was
nothing to excite admiration, either as
to cOmeliness of person or brilliant quail
tiles of mind; he was a freckle-faced,
red-haired son of the soil, belligerent Of
disposition, and averse to all attempts
at improvement.
When Captain Langtry happened to
stroll out into the garden, Teddy was
always ready to pause in his occupation
of hoeing potatoes and chat by the
hour, his most eloquent theme being
the abuse of the rascally villain who
had stolen his grandmother's cloak.
Faith, Captain, never was such an
ill-lookin' thief seen before" he would
say, leaning on his hoe, ''wid his wild
eyes and the weeds trailin' about him.
1t wasn't enough to brighten Norah in
to fits, but he must chase the poor old
woman in the prayty field, and rob her
of her warm cloak, the like of which
she couldn't replace ag'in the winter.
May the Ould Boy crack his bones!
And she's been limpin' and groanin'
ever since wild the pain in her knees
from fall when trying to run afther
him. The villain, wouldn't l like to
have him within reach of me two fists!"
Captain Langtry thought of the long
cloak lying at the bottom of his trunk,
and could scarcely suppress smile.
"Old Nelly and Norah think it was
ghost or the Evil One himself who stole
the cloak; dOyOu not agree with them?"
Captain Langtry asked.
mo, your honor; even though Norah
declares she saw the two horns of him
stickin' up through his ragged hair, /
have rayson to believe it was man like
ourselves who stole the cloak" and
Teddy chuckled to himself, and know
ing light shone in his eyes, but he could
not be prevailed upon to express him
self further.
As the summer wore on, Captain
Langtry threw worldly prudence to the
winds, and allowed bright-eyed Norah
to take complete possession of his
heart; and, what was of more import
ance, he knew that love had awakened
in her bosom for him. He had not a
relative in the world. His aristocratic
friends might scott, and make sport Of
his tender heart if they chose; he would
take this wild rose. for his own, and
they could wander away to newer
country, if their life in the old was not
happy. So more and more Norah be-
came his companion in his daily walks,
his rambles by the sea-shore, and his
idle half hours in the shady garden;
and each day he grew more convinced
that. without her, happiness could not